LOOKING AHEAD

The Lord is the one who goes ahead
of you; He will be with you, He will
not fail you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

There's no way people come up with some of the stuff I do. I don't know about you, but I often look into the future although that future may only be a matter of days away. Usually when I do that, it's with negative thinking as to how badly I think something could possibly turn out. What this amounts to is my lack of trust and faith in my Heavenly Father Who already has the plans for my life decided and just waiting for me, be it in two days or two years.

I had a doctors appointment recently. Have been on meds for Diabetes II for about 12 years. My doctor took me off of all meds for it six months ago while monitoring numbers during that time. Today was my first time back to see him after going through all the blood tests the day before. Driving toward his office, we came to a place along the highway where suddenly the thought hit me, “He's going to tell me my sugar is completely out of control and that I have to go back on meds.” I could take you to that spot in the road where that “came” to me. (Right by the JW church)

The rest of the way, the same thought would strike me periodically so that by the time I got to the office, I was very concerned. He did all the usual things a doctor does but I really wanted him to get to the bottom line...that A1C readout. He pulled out the report and with a slow “Wellll.... I'm pleased. Your A1C has dropped 6 points. That's a really great reading.” I wanted to ask him if he was sure, but didn't dare lest he change his mind.

I wish I could tell you that that's the first time such has happened to me. I know God is already ahead of me and is always looking out for what is in my best interest. No matter what a verdict might be, positive or negative, God knows and I really don't have to know. He'll meet me right where I'm going and will meet me when I get there. I can trust His decisions for my life. Despite the situation, being in a state of worry and fear amounts to sin no matter how I view it. My fretting won't solve anything or change what is ahead of me.

Satan loves to play with our minds, tease and upset us with just a nudge. He has a way of getting his messages to us and we take it from there. For every evil suggestion he sends our way, God has for us unimaginable “I will's” we can trust and count on. Sometimes, when reading in the book of Psalms, I have found so many of those promises of God and have underlined them.

Whatever tasks we are called to, need not be cluttered with our “what if's.” When faced with a “what if,” we need to recognize it for what it is and immediately turn it over to God. It will be a faith builder that will strengthen us for the next “what if” that comes our way... and they will come. Wherever we find ourselves right now, God has purpose for us that will grow us and bring honor and glory to Himself.
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Dear Father, may I be strong in You as the negative things of life come my way. May I learn and walk in obedience to you in every way. May I learn what You want me to learn from every lesson and may I lean on Your strength and not my own. In Jesus' name...Amen